The drainage of the bile ducts is performed with a small plastic catheter. The catheter is placed internally across the narrowed duct, having an external end connected to a drainage bag. The catheter is secured to the skin with sutures. The drainage procedure can be extended with the placement of a permanent metallic device, called stent, which keeps the biliary ducts open without any need for a catheter. It is a safe,effective and well tolerated procedure.